This
guide is peppered with proverbs and sayings, little insights into
how Caribbean islanders think and perceive the world. Sometimes the
comments are humorous, other times bitter and harsh, but
all are a view about a particular part of life. And they frequently contain
a wisdom and tolerance that would benefit everyone to adopt.

Such
as:

Old
Jamaican Proverb:

How-de-do
and thank you break no square.

(It
is not only good manners to be polite, it does no harm.)

These
sayings also echo how the islanders speak. Often phonetically.

Find
it offensive?

They
don't. This is how they publish the proverbs themselves in
books, newspapers and magazines. I'm not original enough to come up with them
on my own.

If
you consider the way islanders speak and spell to be peculiar,
imagine how they will view you. Actually, they're usually not interested
in judging you unless your dress or conduct is outrageous.

Locals
do especially enjoy watching African-Americans who have labeled themselves
"brothers" and who parade in tank tops and lots of gold-colored
chains. I'll never forget standing inside a small store in Tobago
when some "African-American" tourists walked by.

There
were a dozen locals shopping and I would have expected them
to be making fun of me. A white guy buying some wonderful
locally produced curry seasoning. I guess they appreciate those who recognize
good taste.

But
when a couple of chain-laden African-Americans walked by
the large store front window, acting as if they owned the world, it was like
a pair of clowns had appeared. For the locals, it was knee-slapping
funny. Actually, it would was a weird sight to anyone with an honest
bone in their body.

The
point is: Me, the white guy, I wasn't the outsider.

Note:
African-American is not a term easily understood in some parts of

the
Caribbean, despite its acceptance in the U.S. Locals expect people to claim
the nationality of where you were born and/or live.

With
as many as 70 different nationalities flowing through the
blood of some islanders, the whole race concept is ridiculous.
Slave ancestors certainly didn't want to be dragged
into the Caribbean, but that's what happened.

For
the most part, they've gotten over it. Outside of South Africa--which
still amazes me--Caribbean islanders are the most race tolerant people
I've ever met.

As
you read through this guide, this one thing will beobvious.
I like the islands. But I love the people.